An increasing number of dog owners want their dogs to have the best limited ingredient dog food, and for good reason. There are many brands of dog food that contain chemical additives that can have a negative impact on your dog’s health. There are other brands that contain high-quality ingredients that may trigger reactions and food sensitivities in your pet. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, then it is important to select a dog food brand that is made from a limited amount of high-quality ingredients. Keep reading to learn more about finding the best limited ingredient dog food for your pet.
What is the best limited ingredient dog food?
Before we go over the best limited ingredient dog foods, it’s important to understand what a limited ingredient diet is. A limited ingredient diet, also known as LID, is often recommended for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Even when you purchase high-quality brands made from natural or organic whole foods, your dog can begin to develop sensitivities to certain foods over time. A limited ingredient diet allows you to feed your pet the necessary nutrients through fewer ingredients. This lessens the number of foods that your dog consumes on a daily basis and the risks for food intolerances. It can also help you to figure out exactly which ingredients are causing sensitivity because it allows you to isolate your dog’s nutrition sources.
See Also: Best Large Breed Dog Food
Limited ingredient dog food formulas usually contain one source of grain and one source of protein. Limited ingredient dog food formulas avoid the problem of repetitive ingredients which is the main cause of the development of food sensitivities. They may contain less common dog food ingredients such as duck, lamb, and sweet potatoes. Feeding your dog a variety of high-quality proteins and grains reduces the possibility that they will develop sensitivities. Dog food formulas with too many ingredients make it difficult to identify where your dog’s nutrients are coming from.
How to Know if Limited Ingredient Food is Right for Your Dog
A limited ingredient diet is often recommended for pets who have a food sensitivity, which is also known as an intolerance. Food sensitivities are often mistaken for food allergies. Each issue results in a bodily reaction following the consumption of a particular food. However, an allergic reaction leads to an immune system attack that results in symptoms such as swelling, vomiting, stomach pain, and difficulty breathing. An allergic reaction can be severe and life-threatening. A food sensitivity, on the other hand, causes a reaction that is unrelated to the immune system. Food sensitivities lead to milder mostly digestive symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, gas and diarrhea. Common food sensitivities that you may be familiar with include lactose intolerance, histamine intolerance, and gluten sensitivity.
If your dog experiences the symptoms of a food sensitivity after eating certain foods, then a limited ingredient diet may be a great option for relieving your pet’s symptoms. You can try a limited ingredient diet for several months at a time and slowly reintroduce ingredients into your dog’s regular diet. This will allow you to pinpoint exactly which ingredients your dog is sensitive to.
See Also: Best Senior Dog Food
Limited ingredient dog food provides your pet with many benefits. The best benefit is the relief that your dog will feel after dealing with a recurring upset stomach caused by repetitive ingredients. This will keep your pup happy and energetic while also enabling stable digestion. Another perk of limited ingredient dog food is that it tends to be made from high-quality ingredients and contains fewer additives, which makes it an overall healthier option for your pet. While additives such as antioxidants and binders a filled with great nutrients that are good for your dog, others, like preservatives, are included in low-quality dog food and can be unhealthy for your pet to consume.
Finding the Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from a food sensitivity, then you'll be happy to know that there are many great dog food formulas that are great for dogs on a limited ingredient diet. When searching for the best limited ingredient dog food for your pet, you will want to look for a formula that contains high-quality protein and grain ingredients. You also want to purchase a limited ingredient dog food formula that is low on additives. There are several common dog food ingredients that, while not necessarily harmful, are known to cause food sensitivity in dogs. A few of these ingredients include:
- Chicken
- Corn
- Wheat
- Soy
- Dairy protein
- Eggs
There are some limited ingredient dog food brands that contain these ingredients, but the key is to limit your dog from consuming too many of them at once. In order to help you find the best option for your pet, we have compiled a list of some of the best limited ingredient dog food formulas on the market. Keep reading to find out which brand is the best option for your pet.
1. BLUE Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon & Potato
BLUE Buffalo Basics makes a limited ingredient dog food formula that is made from real deboned salmon and potatoes. BLUE’s limited ingredient formulas are two-part kibbles made from natural ingredients. This formula’s nutrients are processed at low temperatures which keeps the food fresh without the use of harmful preservatives.
This is a natural dry dog food formula for adults that is made from high-quality ingredients. It contains carbohydrate sources that are tasty and easy to digest, including potato and pumpkin. The essential proteins and carbohydrates in this formula will promote high energy and activity in your pet, which will help keep them happy and healthy for many years to come.
The inclusion of salmon in this formula is a beneficial addition. Salmon contains both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids which will keep your pet’s coat shiny and their skin healthy. BLUE Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Natural Adult Dry Dog Food enhances your dog’s diet with a variety of beneficial vitamins and minerals through its LifeSource Bits which contain a robust blend of antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins that have been professionally suggested for boosting the immune system and an optimal oxidative balance.
BLUE Buffalo Basics limited ingredient formulas do not contain the common culprits of food sensitivity such as beef, chicken, dairy, corn, wheat, eggs, or soy. This formula is also free from artificial flavors and preservatives. The ingredients of this formula make BLUE Buffalo Basics one of the best limited ingredient dog food options to relieve your dog’s food sensitivity issues.
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2. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature's Variety
Grain sensitivities are common in dogs. That is why Nature's Variety makes its Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food. This formula is made with a single source of protein and a single vegetable in order to limit and isolate your dog's food sources. This makes it easier to pinpoint the exact cause of your pet's food sensitivity. This limited ingredient dog food formula avoids many ingredients including:
- Common meat sources such as chicken or beef
- Common carbohydrates such as grains, wheat, sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn
- Common legumes such as chickpeas and soy
- Eggs and dairy
- Artificial colors and preservatives
All of the ingredients included in this dog food formula are raw, real, and natural. What makes this limited ingredient dog food unique is that it is the first raw coated kibble dog food product. Every bite of kibble in this dog food is coated in freeze dried raw ingredients. This locks in beneficial nutrition and delicious taste that is loved by both small and large dogs.
Made from real meat and whole ingredient vegetables, this dog food formula contains high protein and is not overly processed. The list of ingredients for this formula is simple and easy to understand. This natural limited ingredient dog food formula is made with wild salmon, which is a healthy protein that is easy for dogs to digest. Wild salmon is also full of essential amino acids that will allow your dog to thrive.
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food packs natural, raw ingredients into each piece of their delicious kibble with its tumbling process. This is a great option for dogs with sensitivities to grains.
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3. BLUE Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Turkey & Potato
Dogs love the taste of BLUE Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet dog food formulas, and the turkey and potato version of this formula does not disappoint. This is a great food choice for dogs who have developed sensitivities to common dog food protein ingredients such as chicken and beef. Each of BLUE's limited ingredients dog food formulas is made from real meat from a single animal protein source. It also includes pumpkin, potatoes, oatmeal, and brown rice, which are easy to digest.
This limited ingredient dog food is made from natural, real, deboned turkey and all-natural potatoes. These are high-quality ingredients that are delicious and easy to digest. This dog food contains no by-product meals and no filler ingredients such as corn. It is also free of dairy, eggs, wheat, and soy. The proteins and carbohydrates included in this formula help your pet to feel energized and active. The ingredients contain helpful nutrients such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. It also contains necessary antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, that have been carefully selected by expert animal nutritionists and veterinarians and included in its exclusive LifeSource Bits.
In addition to essential proteins and carbohydrates, BLUE Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet dog food contains a nice blend of vegetables, fruit, and micronutrients which add additional nutritional value and aid in the digestive process. All of the ingredients are processed at low temperatures, which allows the food to stay fresh without artificial preservatives.
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4. Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Salmon & Potato
Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food features premium ingredients like salmon and potato. This limited ingredient dog food formula is easy to digest and is a great option for adult dogs who deal with food sensitivities, intolerance and allergies to common dog food ingredients. This formula contains a single protein source with its real, high-quality salmon. It also contains easy to digest carbohydrates. This is a great choice for relieving the upset stomach and digestive issues that can affect dogs who battle with food sensitivity. This product is made in the USA and is backed by the Wellness Guarantee, so you can feel confident that this dog food product is a healthy choice for your pet.
Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is made from a short list of beneficial ingredients. All of the ingredients in Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food are all natural. The salmon and potato used in this formula are high quality and nutritious. The all-natural ingredients do not contain additives, artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, or artificial colors. This formula is also free from common culprits of food sensitivities including gluten, wheat, fillers, dairy, corn, and eggs. Containing a single source of protein, this limited ingredient dog food formula is also free from meat byproducts. The formula promises to promote health in the five areas of wellness in dogs including:
- Healthy skin and a healthy coat
- Healthy digestion
- Healthy eyes, teeth, and gums
- High energy levels
- Healthy immune system
This is one of the best limited ingredient dog food products as it offers many amazing benefits such as providing your dog with a complete and balanced diet with limited ingredients. It contains all-natural flaxseed which helps to improve the health of your dog’s skin, and probiotics and prebiotics to aid in digestion.
Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a great option for dogs who are dealing with gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and irritable bowels due to food sensitivity. For the best results for most dogs, it is best to gradually mix Wellness into your dog’s diet over a five to seven-day period, allowing it to completely replace your dog’s previous dog food formula by day seven.
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5. NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food
If you have a dog that could benefit from a limited ingredient diet who prefers smaller kibble, then NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food is the best limited ingredient dog food for you to select. Made with a lamb and sweet potato recipe, this limited ingredient dog food is made with no more than ten ingredients. All of the ingredients in this formula are non-GMO, and NUTRO does not contain any artificial flavors, artificial colors, or preservatives. It also includes a variety of natural flavors, nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. This formula does not consist of any of the foods that commonly trigger food sensitivities in dogs. These are foods such as chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, and dairy protein.
The first ingredient in this dog food formula, premium lamb, is sourced from Australia and New Zealand. NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food also contains real sweet potatoes as a carbohydrate rather than using wheat or corn. Your dog will love the all-natural taste of NUTRO and reap many of its additional benefits as well. This dog food formula can alleviate the digestive issues that arise from food sensitivities while also nourishing your pet's skin and leaving their coat shiny and soft. This formula will improve your dog's gastrointestinal symptoms while supplying your dog with energy, nourishment, and optimal health.
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6. The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Beef Dog Food Recipe
The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Beef Dog Food Recipe is made from high quality, human-grade ingredients rather than the low-quality ingredients that are commonly served to dogs. This means that your food-sensitive dog will be eating top quality meals that do not contain any fillers, by-products, or preservatives. The Honest Kitchen's limited ingredient recipe is easy to digest, and your dog will love the great taste. This formula is made with only six ingredients and it is grain free and wholesome. This limited ingredient dog food formula serves a balanced meal of ranch-raised beef and wholesome chickpeas. Your dog will also receive adequate servings of fiber, healthy fats, and delicious, all-natural flavor. This formula is suitable for dogs of all ages.
This grain-free, dehydrated formula is great for dogs who suffer from sensitive stomachs or food allergies. It has passed the comprehensive standards of the FDA in order to earn its human-grade label, so you can trust that you are serving your dog nothing less than the best limitied ingredient dog food.
It is processed in the USA and does not contain GMOs, additives, or preservatives. The Honest Kitchen only uses ingredients from trusted suppliers who meet the top standards for safety, sustainability, and fair-trade practices. The Honest Kitchen's dog food is made in safe environments alongside top of the line food products for humans.
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7. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food, Turkey & Potato
If you are looking for one of the best limited ingredient dog food formulas for your pet, then BLUE Buffalo Basics makes a variety of great options. Its Turkey & Potato limited ingredient dog food is made from high-quality ingredients that have been carefully selected. This formula consists of real deboned turkey and premium potatoes to deliver your dog a great tasting product that is easy on the stomach. This formula also includes pumpkin for added fiber and energy. All of the ingredients included in this formula are real meat, vegetables, and fruit.
This dog food formula is also a great option for dogs who need to maintain a healthy weight. The turkey protein used in the recipe is lean and does not contain excessive calories from fat. BLUE also adds in its premium LifeSource Bits, which contain a high-quality blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These ingredients have been expertly selected and approved by veterinarians and animal nutritionists. They are proven to benefit your dog's immune system and overall health.
As a limited ingredient dog food option for dogs with food sensitivities, this recipe does not contain any of the most common sensitivity triggers like beef, chicken, wheat, corn, eggs, soy, or dairy. It is made from natural ingredients and has no artificial flavors or preservatives.
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8. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Dry Dog Food Beef
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Dry Dog Food is one of the best limited ingredient dog food formulas. This is a great option for dogs who experience symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and upset stomach due to sensitivities to common dog food ingredients. This formula is free of all potatoes, grains, fillers, and chicken-based ingredients. There are also no artificial flavors or colors. While these food ingredients can be healthy for most dogs, they can often lead to sensitivity if they are consumed too repetitively. This formula contains 32% protein, which is more than any other limited ingredient dog food formula on the market.
This limited ingredient dog food formula contains one animal protein source and two main sources of carbohydrates. It avoids the use of ingredients that are known to lead to common food sensitivities in dogs. It is a great option for food sensitive dogs of all breeds. The first ingredient of this protein-rich dog food product is premium high-quality beef. It is made of 52% beef ingredients which include 32% crude protein and 20% healthy fat. The protein promotes healthy muscles in your pet while the fatty acids provide health to your pet's skin and coat.
All of Natural Balance’s pet food products must pass nine safety tests in order to ensure that the premium ingredients are of a high quality. The results are shared on their website so that you can know everything about the food that your pet is consuming.
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9. K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food Or Topper
K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food is a healthy, hypoallergenic, grain-free option for any dog on a limited ingredient diet. This dog food formula is made with all-natural lamb, and it helps your dog to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. You can feed this to your dog as a complete meal, or you can use it as a topper to give a nutritional boost to other dog food formulas. K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food will provide your dog with the necessary vitamins and nutrients for optimal health.
K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food is made with all natural lamb sourced from New Zealand. The lamb in this dog food formula has been grass-fed. You’ll feel good knowing that your dog is eating a protein product that comes from sustainable and ethical sources. New Zealand is known for raising the world’s healthiest farmed animals. This limited ingredient diet dog food is free of fillers, GMOs, gelling agents, animal meal, artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, and artificial colors.
This raw dog food has been freeze-dried and it is easy to serve to your pet. As a stand-alone dog food product, K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food is ready to eat directly from the package. If you'd like to use it as a topper to boost your dog's regular dog food formula, then you can simply mix this formula into your dog's current wet canned or dry kibble dog food. The best serving size will depend on your dog's breed and size. It can be stored in your pantry after opening.
Your dog will love the taste of K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food. This brand has been known to be enjoyed by even the pickiest dogs. K9 Natural stands by the taste of its product and even offers a full refund if your dog does not enjoy it, so it must be good!
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10. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain Free Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Potato
BLUE Buffalo Basics makes another one of the best limited ingredient dog foods for small breed adult dogs with food sensitivities. Available in the flavor Lamb & Potato, there are many reasons that your pet will love this natural dry dog food. For starters, the formula is made from real-deboned lamb. Lamb is a single-animal source of protein that is an uncommon ingredient for dog food. This makes it a great protein source for dogs who have sensitivities to common meat ingredients such as chicken or beef.
This limited ingredient dog food formula also contains carbohydrate sources that are easy for your pet to digest including natural potatoes and pumpkin. This provides a stable source of fiber that will alleviate common food sensitivity symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and gas. These food sources also increase your dog's energy level and allow your pet to maintain a healthy level of activity. Small breed dogs require additional sources of energy in order to keep up with their active behavior.
When your dog is placed on a limited ingredient diet, he or she will need enhanced vitamins and minerals. Luckily, BLUE's limited ingredient formulas contain LifeSource Bits, which contain beneficial antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that have been selected by expert veterinarians and nutritionists. These ingredients support your pet's immune system while also helping your pup to meet its necessary life stage requirements. BLUE's limited ingredients dog food formulas are always free of artificial flavors and preservatives. They are also free from common food sensitivity triggers such as dairy, soy, eggs, wheat, corn, chicken, or beef.